Tile flooring has been used for centuries and is revered for its beautiful look as well as its functionality. Most homes have at least some tile flooring present. You will usually find it in areas where water is a concern. These areas will typically include the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryways. If your home has tile and you want to be sure to care for it properly, you definitely need to purchase the best vacuum for tile floors. In today’s article, we are going to take a look at what makes the best vacuum for tile flooring along with our top picks. Not only that, but we will also give you some advice if hardwood flooring or carpet is something you need tips on cleaning. Let’s get started with our review of the best vacuums for your cleaning needs.
CAN YOU VACUUM TILE FLOORS?
This is a common question from homeowners. We tend to think of vacuums as something you use on carpet, while tile, hardwood, and laminate floors need mops and brooms. While these are good tools to have in your home for a variety of cleaning tasks, it is absolutely possible to vacuum tile floors. In fact, you might even be surprised to find that there is a range of vacuum cleaners that were designed specifically for tile floors.
The caveat to this is that not all vacuum cleaners can handle the task. When looking for the best vacuum cleaner to handle your tile floors, you have two options: purchase a vacuum cleaner that is designed to handle multiple surfaces such as hardwood flooring, carpet, and tile flooring, or purchase a special vacuum specifically designed to work on tile floors alone. While opting for an all-around durable vacuum cleaner might seem like the best way to go, it is worth it to look at tile flooring vacuum cleaners specifically. With that being said, let’s take a look at what features you need in a vacuum for your tile floor.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN TILE FLOOR VACUUMS
On the surface, it may seem like any vacuum cleaner could work for tile floors as they are made of a pretty durable material and the dirt has nowhere to hide. However, the truth is that most vacuums on the market are ineffective at removing dirt and debris from tile surfaces. In addition to this fact, the wrong type of vacuum cleaner can actually damage your tile floors. This can in turn degrade the look and value of your home. To purchase the best vacuum for use on your tile floors, take the following features into consideration.
No Beater Brush or Retractable Beater Brush:
Beater brushes are great for pulling dirt, debris, and pet hair out of carpeting. However, once your vacuum is on a hard surface such as wood hard floors or tiled floors, these features become problematic. The stiff bristles on these brushes can cause damage to tile floors or wood floors. This is especially true of quarry tiles that do not have a protective glaze on top of them.
Powerful Suction:
Because of the strong bristles, you cannot depend on cleaning your tiled floors with brushes alone. Instead, you will want a vacuum cleaner that offers powerful suction. The deeper the indents of your grout, the more you will rely on this powerful suction. Additionally, quarry tiles tend to be somewhat uneven, giving dirt and debris extra hiding spots, so a strong suction power is an absolute must.
Quality Filtration:
Every vacuum, no matter its purpose, needs a filtration system. However, this becomes even more important when you are cleaning tile floors. With carpeting, dirt and debris often become trapped by your vacuum cleaner, which, while not the cleanest, does mean they are not very easily pulled into the air and into your lungs. But when it comes to tile floor, any dirt and debris left seeps into the air. For people who are sensitive to dust or pet hair, this is certainly something you will want to avoid. To remedy this, you will want to shop for a vacuum cleaner that traps this and makes it easy to dispose of.
Non-Slip Wheels:
As you have no doubt noticed, tile can get pretty slippery. Because of this, you need wheels that do not slip. This will ensure that you can maintain control over the machine. Rubber is the best material while plastic is the worst. However, sometimes you will find plastic wheels with a non-slip coating that are suitable. Having the right right wheels will not only protect your wood floors, but if you have tile flooring with a material such as silicone caulk, you will have the added benefit of keeping it in tip-top shape without wearing your tile flooring down. The right wheels will also ultimately lead to having an easy time cleaning as well.
Wet or Dry:
Ultimately, both types of vacuums can work. However, having a vacuum that offers a wet wash or wipe mode to steam and wipe your floors can make the process of cleaning your tile floors easier. Having a steam mop capability on your vacuum cleaner will help eliminate the need for a separate mop as well. However, it should be noted that vacuum cleaners with wet wipes mean an additional cost when they need replaced. Not only that, but vacuum cleaners that offer a steamer often weigh more due to the water tank. When considering the best vacuum cleaner for your tile flooring, you must weigh the costs and benefits of opting for one with a steam mop.
HOW FREQUENTLY ARE YOU CLEANING THE VACUUM?
The different features that are offered in vacuum cleaners all determine the way you clean your vacuum. For example, smaller, lightweight vacuums may have a smaller dirt cup. This will mean that you are likely to be dumping it out more regularly than a more heavy duty vacuum. And of course, each time you are dumping out the dirt, that is a great time to do some regular maintenance and cleaning of your vacuum, thus leading you to clean it out more.
In order for your vacuum to be a worthwhile investment, you will want to make sure that you are cleaning it regularly and appropriately. For example, some Shark vacuum cleaners may require the cleaning of filters to be strictly done by hand. Other upright vacuum cleaners require detachable dirt collection bags that need to be cleaned regularly as well.
If your vacuum features attachment brushes, you will want to maintain cleanliness of those as well. Dirt, debris, and pet hair can get stuck in brush bristles, causing dust to spread through the air while vacuuming. For young children and adults who have a sensitivity to dust, this can be especially frustrating. Overall, maintaining the cleanliness of your vacuum is what allows it to stay intact for extended periods of time. Be sure to refer to your owners manual in order to follow the best cleaning practices for your vacuum.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Vacuums for Tile Floors
Picture | Product | Rating | Suction | Filtration | Wheels | Wet/Dry | Brush | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | Cyclone | HEPA | Plastic | Dry | Yes | ||
 | #2 | Strong Suction | YES | Roller | Dry | No | ||
 | #3 | Strong Suction | YES | Plastic | Dry | No | ||
 | #4 | Strong Suction | YES | Rubber | Dry | Yes/Can be turned off | ||
 | #5 | Strong Suction | YES | Roller | Dry | Yes/For hard floors | ||
 | #6 | Cyclone | YES | Roller | Dry | Yes/For hard floors | ||
 | #7 | Cyclone | YES | Plastic | Wet/Dry | Yes/For hard floors | ||
 | #8 | Strong Suction | YES | None | Wet/Dry | Yes/For hard floors | ||
 | #9 | Strong Suction | HEPA | Plastic | Wet/Dry | No | ||
 | #10 | Strong Suction | YES | Plastic | Dry | Yes/For hard floors |
1 DYSON DC25 BALL ALL-FLOORS UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER
For many homeowners, owning more than one vacuum is not ideal. This can be for the practical reasons, like lacking either the storage space or money, or just wanting to keep things simple. No matter your reason for wanting a single vacuum for the whole house, chances are the Dyson DC25 is for you. This upright vacuum cleaner is designed to handle all types of flooring through basics adjustments. It makes cleaning medium to high pile carpeting a breeze. Along with that, you can use it on hardwood and tile just as effortlessly. The brush bar spins fast and can easily remove pet hair from carpeting. When you turn the brush off, this vacuum becomes super gentle on tile, making it the best vacuum for tile floors and gathering pet hair.
In addition to its impressive suction power, its attachments are super practical too. The telescope reach wand ensures that no surfaces in your home are beyond the reach of this vacuum. The HEPA filter keeps your air clean while the easy empty bin ensures that your dirt and debris do not get into the air after cleaning is complete.
On the downside, some users feel that the attachments are a little bulky when compared to the sleek design of the machine at large. There are also complaints that the machine is a bit heavy and cumbersome to move between floors, so you need to consider this if you have a multilevel home. However, it is overall a very solid product with a strong consumer following. Whether you want a vacuum for hardwood floors or a powerful cleaner for stubborn pet hair in carpets, the Dyson DC25 is a great vacuum cleaner to consider.
PROS
- Easy steering
- Washable filter
- Works on all surfaces
CONS
- Awkward attachments
- Cumbersome to move between floors
2 BISSELL POWEREDGE PET HARD FLOOR CORDED VACUUM
Most vacuums struggle to sufficiently reach the edges of a space, often leaving behind enough dirt and debris that following up with a broom is necessary. However, the BISSELL PowerEdge is designed to offer edge-to-edge cleaning, especially when it comes to vacuuming for hardwood floors. To make this vacuum even more impressive, it is designed to pick up pet hair better than most other machines on the market—even on hard surfaces. This is thanks to its powerful suction. This machine has a unique v-shaped head that is meant to simplify vacuuming around furniture rather than moving it, which means there is a lesser chance of damaging your floors while cleaning. The head also swivels easily, so you work less to get it around the floor.
Of course, every product has its problems. For this model, the biggest concern is the noise it creates. Most vacuums specifically designed to target pet hair are also quiet for the comfort of animals in the home. However, this vacuum is actually rather loud. The other main complaint from customers is that the wheels can lock up from time to time and they have to wiggle the machine a little to get them moving again.
PROS
- You do not need to sweep after you vacuum
- It is specifically designed to target pet hair
- You do not need to move furniture to clean
CONS
- The noise created by the motor may disturb some animals
- The wheels can cause issues from time to time
3 EUREKA MIGHTY MITE CANISTER VACUUM, 3670G
This is another vacuum that is designed to be used on multiple surfaces; all you need to do is change out the attachments to move between tile flooring, wood floors, carpets, and other surfaces in your home. A major benefit of this particular model is that it is very lightweight at less than nine pounds, making it easy to carry up and down the stairs. Its canister design is also made to rest on the steps when you are cleaning them. The suction on this model is strong and the canister is easy to empty, making it all around a great contender for most homes with tile floors.
There are some fairly minor issues with the machine. Many users feel the cord is too short and must repeatedly plug and unplug when cleaning a space. However, the biggest problem is the hose. When first purchased, it is quite stiff, and over time it can develop kinks that weaken the suction of the vacuum. If powerful suction is something your floors demand, then you need to consider this flaw when it comes to finding the perfect vacuum for cleaning your home.
PROS
- Works on multiple surface types
- Lightweight
- Great for stairs
CONS
- Short cord
- Hose can produce kinks
4 HOOVER VACUUM CLEANER LINX BAGLESS CORDED CYCLONIC LIGHTWEIGHT STICK VACUUM SH20030
The most difficult part of purchasing a new vacuum is usually assembling it. This annoying task is not the case with this next upright vacuum cleaner. The Linx is quick and easy to put together. This vacuum is specifically made to offer edge-to-edge cleaning thanks to its superb suction power. This cleaning power eliminates the need for sweeping up after vacuuming. It can work on multiple surfaces with a few minor adjustments, though it is not ideal for high-pile carpeting. This particular model is corded, but there is a cordless version if that interests you.
The primary downside to this vacuum is there are no attachments that come with it. Without an attachment like a crevice tool, it may be difficult to get to the hard-to-reach places, and unfortunately, you cannot purchase one separately either. Beyond this, the bin is quite small, but this is expected with a stick vacuum.
PROS
- It assembles quickly
- You can use it on hardwood and carpet
- You can choose corded or cordless options
CONS
- No accessories
- Small bin
5 BISSELL 1132A SYMPHONY ALL-IN-ONE VACUUM AND STEAM MOP
Depending on the type of flooring you have and how high traffic the area is, it may be idea to have a wet-dry option that you strictly use on hard surfaces. If this is the case for you, the BISSELL Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop is an excellent choice. This vacuum can be used on any hard floors. However, you should be careful if using the steam mop on wood floors. On hard floors that feature laminate surfaces (such as laminate wood), a steam mop may cause some damage. This upright and versatile vacuum features digital controls that make operating it easy. In addition to that, it has an adjustable handle that makes it easy to share amongst members of the household. Four mop pads are included for the steam mop and they will eventually need to be replaced, but should last for some time. Overall, assembly is just one step and its lightweight and slim profile makes it easy to use and store.
This model could use some minor improvements. It is not effective on unsealed grout, so a special attachment for this would be nice. But the biggest problem is that there is no switch to turn it on and off; once you plug it in, it is on until you unplug it again.
PROS
- Eliminates the need for mopping separately
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not good if your tile has unsealed grout
- No on and off switch
6 ELECTROLUX ERGORAPIDO LITHIUM ION 2-1 STICK AND HANDHELD VACUUM, EL2055B - CORDLESS
In terms of cordless vacuums, the Ergorapido offers some of the longest-lasting power when it comes to cleaning your home. A single charge gives you more than 20 minutes of full power vacuuming suction, after which you can continue on for a short while with diminished power. You can detach the handheld vacuum to reach difficult spots for a more thorough cleaning. In addition to that, the cyclonic system delivers powerful suction too. Setup requires just one step and the lightweight design means you do not need to strain in order to clean your home. For easy and effortless vacuuming with superb suction power, this certainly is a vacuum to consider. It is no wonder why many consider it to be the best cordless vacuum for tile floors.
As for the downsides, the handheld unit is somewhat bulky, which means attachments are needed for tight corners. And, as this is a stick vacuum, the bin is quite small. Expect to empty it frequently.
PROS
- Long-lasting power
- Powerful suction
- Easy to assemble and maneuver
CONS
- Need attachments for tight spaces
- Small bin
7 Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner
This wet/dry vacuum is designed to eliminate the need for mops and scrub brushes, and even the bucket for your cleaning solution. Instead, this model handles it all. In fact, it even dries your floors as well. Because of this drying action, it is great for use on hardwood too, one of the only wet/dry vacuums that can boast this distinction. In addition to these great features, it also offers a folding handle for easy storage.
Some users feel that this vacuum is good for light to medium mopping but that heavy dirt and grime will still require scrubbing. The best way to prevent this is to clean every day. Also, the small tank for the water needs to be filled often, and the tank for the dirty water emptied just as frequently.
PROS
- Offers vacuuming, mopping, and drying modes
- Can be used on hardwood
- Easy to store
CONS
- Does not handle heavy-duty mopping jobs well
- The tanks must be filled and emptied often
8 SHARK SONIC DUO CARPET AND HARD FLOOR CLEANER
This Shark DuoClean vacuum is designed to take care of just about every possible cleaning job in your home. The powerful suction power of the Shark DuoClean comes with modes for carpet and hard floors, including wood, tile, and laminate. In addition to that, the Shark DuoClean comes with concentrated cleaning solutions that are safe for pets but effective at getting the job done. The microfiber pads are designed specifically for hardwood to prevent damage. Finally, the swivel steering makes it very easy to maneuver.
A major complaint with the Shark DuoClean vacuum is that the cleaning solution bottles are not reusable. This means you must repeatedly purchase them to refill, and it also makes it difficult to use other cleaning solutions if those interest you. Some users found the spray mechanism stopped working well after a few months of use, but this is not a consistent issue.
PROS
- Can handle multiple surfaces
- Designed to be gentle on floors
- Easy to maneuver
CONS
- Cannot refill the bottles
- Some users have trouble with the spray mechanism
9 VONHAUS 600W 2 IN 1 CORDED LIGHTWEIGHT UPRIGHT STICK & HANDHELD VACUUM CLEANER
If you are looking for a model that is effective and affordable, the VonHaus Lightweight Upright Stick and Handheld Vacuum may be the right choice for you. This is one of the most affordable units on the market, and it gets the job done. The dust bin can hold 1.3 liters at a time, giving you more cleanings between emptying the bin. The HEPA and sponge filtration system removes the vast majority of allergens from the air, and it glides easily without compromising its suction.
However, it is not a good choice for surfaces other than tile and hardwood, which limits its cleaning ability. Some users felt the suction was not as good as more expensive models on the market, but it still did its job.
PROS
- Highly affordable
- Larger bin
- Easy glide
CONS
- Only good on hard surfaces
- Could have more powerful suction
10 FULLER BRUSH SPIFFY MAID BAGLESS BROOM VACUUM CLEANER
This lightweight vacuum works well on hard floors as well as low-pile carpeting. The nine amp motor is quite powerful for the size of the machine and the HEPA filter keeps the air clean. It comes with a crevice tool that is stored on board and the 30-foot cord is longer than most vacuums. As an added benefit, it stores upright, so you do not need to prop it up if you step away from cleaning for a bit.
While the 30-foot cord is a major plus for some, others find it to be too difficult to manage. Another common complaint is that it is difficult to empty. However, most users feel it is a great vacuum for its price.
PROS
- Works on hard surfaces and low-pile carpeting
- Strong HEPA filter
- Stores upright
CONS
- Cord can be cumbersome
- Difficult to empty
WHAT KIND OF VACUUM WORKS BEST FOR YOU?
The best vacuum for you really depends on the home you have. To figure out the right type of vacuum to purchase, you will need to start by taking into account your floor types. If your home is primarily carpet, then you will want a vacuum cleaner that has strong bristles to pull up dirt. However, if you mainly have tile and hardwood, then a vacuum with powerful suction is what you will want to aim for. For many who have tile and or another hard flooring, a vacuum with a steam mop can be a beneficial investment. Wherever you start, you will want to shop with your home in mind. Buying a heavy-duty vacuum with powerful rotating bristles will have no value in a home that is mostly tiled.
HOW MUCH TILE ARE YOU CLEANING?
When it comes to doing a thorough job of cleaning your home, you will need to make sure that you have the best vacuum for the job. One of the best ways of figuring out which vacuum to get starts with identifying what you will need it to do. If you have a fair mix of tile, hardwood, and carpet in your home, then you will want a versatile vacuum cleaner. However, if you have a home that is predominantly tile or another hard surface, then you may want to opt for one that is geared towards a strong suction power instead. You may even want one with a steam mop capability in this case. The amount of tile you are cleaning (or really any surface) makes a huge difference in determining which vacuum to get. This is another important step in narrowing down your search.
IS THE VACUUM A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT?
Once you figure out what you need your vacuum to do for you, only then does it really become a worthwhile investment. If you purchase a vacuum cleaner that has way too many bells and whistles than you need, then you really are not getting the most bang for your buck. The same goes for purchasing a lightweight vacuum with a small dirt cup when you have a large home that regularly needs a thorough vacuuming. Knowing what type of home you have and what you need your vacuum to do for you is the starting point in making the right choice in a vacuum cleaner. Only then will your vacuum purchase be an investment well spent.
BEST WAY TO CLEAN TILE FLOORS
Tile floors are not any harder to keep clean than carpeted floors, but it often feels like they are. This comes down to the fact that tile floors do not hide their dirt in carpet fibers, leaving it much more visible at all times. This means that carpeted floors are often much dirtier, but the dirt on tile is more bothersome.
Tile floors and other hard floors are great choices for homeowners with allergies since dust and allergens have nowhere to hide. They are also a good option for anyone who just wants to rest assured that they know how clean their floors are. Below is the best way to clean tile floors, and if you follow these steps, we guarantee you that cleaning them will be a much easier task.
1. Start by clearing the floor as much as possible. This means scooting lightweight furniture out of the way, as well as small items like pet dishes, toys, and accessories. Heavier furniture items should either not be moved or should be moved using special furniture pads. Be careful not to drop anything heavy on the tile surface as this can cause the tiles to break, leading to replacement.
2. Examine your floor carefully for any large or rough debris, such as pebbles, sand, or even things like nails and screws that may have been dropped during a home improvement project. If you notice debris like this, sweep it away with a broom first, or carefully use your tile floor vacuum to sweep it up. These types of debris can scratch the surface of your tile, dulling it over time. Be careful not to drag this debris around if you choose to use your vacuum to clean it up.
3. Once the larger debris has been carefully removed, you can freely use your tile floor vacuum to suction up any dust, dirt, and small debris. If there is caked-on dirt from things like mud and food spills, you will need to use water and possibly a cleaning solution for a thorough cleaning.
4. For caked-on dirt, you can use a mop, scrub brush, or if your vacuum has wet/dry options, simply use those. Tile is very resistant to water, so you can use a decent amount to get the job done. Just be careful to dry the floor after so no one gets hurt when walking on it.
5. Depending on the cleaning tools you have, you may need to give your grout special care. You can do this using a scrub brush and gentle cleaning solution or a specialty mop. It is best to leave the cleaning solution on the grout for at least ten minutes before scrubbing it away. Grout will discolor over time, so you may need to bleach it or regrout one to two times a year.
6. A few times a year, you may want to wax your tile floors. This will help to keep their shine and also make them more resistant to staining. This should be done carefully as it can make the tiles very slick. Be sure to complete this job when the family can be out of the house for a while.
7. Every couple of years, you will want to reseal your tile and grout. This further protects the tile from staining while building up its attractive shine.
In most cases, cleaning your tile floor should just take about 10-20 minutes, depending on how dirty it is and what types of tools you have on hand. It is important that you clean it at least once a day, even if it is just a basic cleaning.
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR TILE FLOORS
Tile floors are incredibly durable, and in most homes, they never need to be replaced for anything other than changing up your home design. However, they can endure damage in extreme conditions. Your goal should be to keep this potential damage to a minimum, allowing you to keep your tile floors pristine for decades to come. Below are some easy ways you can extend the life of your tile floor:
Ask people to take off their shoes or brush their shoes off before entering your home. Small debris can scratch the surface of tile floors and dull its shine.
Make use of area rugs and runners in high traffic areas, particularly if your stairs have tile on them. Tile stairs are more at risk of breakage since its delicate edges are exposed.
Be very careful when carrying anything heavy across tile floors. Dropping heavy items can shatter the tiles, requiring replacement.
Always wipe up spills quickly, especially if they come into contact with the grout.
Repair any damage you find immediately.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST VACUUMS FOR TILE FLOORS
Your tile floors are vital to the look and function of your home. This means you need to keep them clean and in great shape. This requires that you purchase the best vacuum for your tile floors. While there are many options on the market, we are confident that one of our ten choices above will prove to be the right vacuum for you.
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